MotorDeets

BMW 550I problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every 550I from 2006 to 2016: 252 owner complaints and 19 recalls across 11 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2011 (84), 2007 (37), 2012 (35). Best fuel economy: 20 mpg combined (2016).

BMW 550I
Photo: Navigator84 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Engine72
Electrical43
Fuel & propulsion37
Airbags34
Transmission & drivetrain33
Tires30
Wheels20
Exterior lights18

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
200632318
200723718
200823218
20091218
201011118
201138420
201223518
201311520
20142620
20150620
20162120

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the BMW 550I.

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Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the BMW 550I?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2011 (84), 2007 (37), 2012 (35).

How many recalls has the BMW 550I had?

Across 2006–2016, NHTSA lists 19 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).